Hailey
People in Emporia and Osage County are being warned again about harmful algae in some lakes. These blue-green algae can make water unsafe for swimming, drinking, or even letting your pets play in it.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) keeps checking the water and gives alerts when things get dangerous. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Algae Blooms?
Algae blooms happen when blue-green algae grow too much in lakes or ponds. These are not real plants but bacteria. When they grow quickly, they can make toxins that are bad for people, pets, and animals.
These blooms often happen in summer when the weather is hot and there’s a lot of sunlight. Too many nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the water can also make algae grow faster.
Why Are Alerts Being Issued?
The KDHE checks water quality often and issues warnings when they find high levels of harmful algae. Right now, several lakes in Emporia and Osage County are under watch or warning status because of ongoing algae problems.
When algae reach dangerous levels, the KDHE tells people to avoid contact with the water. This includes:
- No swimming or wading
- Don’t let pets or livestock drink the water
- Avoid using lake water for irrigation
- Don’t eat fish caught from the lake unless cleaned well
Affected Lakes in Emporia and Osage County
As of now, the following lakes have been flagged:
- Camp Alexander Lake (Emporia) – Warning
- Melvern Outlet Pond (Osage County) – Watch
- Carbondale West Lake – Warning
- Overbrook City Lake – Watch
A “Warning” means high levels of toxins are present. A “Watch” means algae are growing but not yet at dangerous levels.
What Should You Do?
If you live near these lakes or plan to visit them:
- Stay out of the water completely during a warning.
- Keep kids and pets away from the shoreline.
- If you or your pet touch the water by mistake, rinse off with clean water right away.
- Don’t drink or cook with the lake water, even if boiled.
- Watch for symptoms like rash, stomach cramps, vomiting, or trouble breathing if you’ve been near the water.
How Long Will These Alerts Last?
Algae blooms can last days or weeks, depending on weather and water conditions. KDHE will keep checking the lakes every week and update alerts on their website.
You can check their updates at: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov
Why Are Algae Blooms a Growing Problem?
Experts say climate change, rising temperatures, and more agricultural runoff (fertilizers and waste flowing into lakes) are making algae problems worse in Kansas and across the U.S.
Unless steps are taken to reduce pollution and manage lakes better, algae outbreaks may happen more often and last longer.
People living in or visiting Emporia and Osage County need to take these algae warnings seriously. The water may look fine, but blue-green algae can be toxic and dangerous.
Staying informed and being careful can keep you, your family, and pets safe during these summer outbreaks. Authorities are working to monitor the lakes and give timely updates to the public.